Offering a truly wide field of view for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras, the Super-Elmar-M 18mm f/3.8 ASPH. Lens is a super wide-angle prime characterized by its sophisticated optical design and compact form factor. Utilizing one double-sided aspherical element, spherical aberrations and distortions are minimized and sharpness is maintained throughout the aperture range. The aspherical element also contributes to a compact form factor, and the manual focusing design permits working with subjects as close as 2.3' away.

Super wide-angle prime utilizes one double-sided aspherical element to reduce spherical aberrations and distortion for improved sharpness and clarity throughout the aperture range.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Brian from
Incredible LensI purchased this lens before going to Rome for the first time. I wanted something that would be able to capture scenes that I couldn't get with my 28mm lens. This was a perfect solution! The photos captured with this lens and an M9 are fantastic. The clarity is amazing for such a compact lens. The 3.8 lens speed was a little slow for indoor shots at the Basilica. I did not use a filter, which I normally do on all of my lenses for protection, due to the large filter holder required for this lens. Overall, I couldn't be happier. I might like the faster 21mm 1.4 even better. But it is very large, costs twice as much, and still requires an external finder.

Date published: 2011-06-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Daryl from
The last 18mm you will ever need!The quality of Leica lenses is superb and this is no exception. The focus is silky smooth and the aperture ring has a perfect balance of ease/resistance. The lens is sharp, more than I expected, fine detail is rendered beautifully all the way to the edges. Contrast is also very good to excellent, color rendition superb. The most surprising aspect is how well it copes with a bright light source, it might well be the best lens I've ever seen handle the sun without flaring, quite an accomplishment for such a wide optic. If you are a wide-angle shooter this lens is worth buying into the Leica system, it's size is diminutive against the likes of Canon and Nikon. One complaint is the lack of filter threads, the hood has a 58mm female thread that fits the lens male thread, just the opposite of most lenses. There is an optional filter adapter that takes 77mm filters, so there is a work-around but 77mm is an odd size for Leica and carrying several filters can be the same size as the lens itself. One last thought, Leica should be congratulated for the excellent fit/finish of it's hoods and adapters, they have a feel unlike any other manufacturer.

Date published: 2012-12-17

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Catherine from
Excellent super-wide lensThis lens is used for architecture, both interiors and exteriors, and for landscapes. It is extremely sharp edge to edge. Some distortion close-up but nothing that can't be fixed in photoshop. Be sure to use the external viewfinder to get an accurate image of the scene.

Date published: 2010-12-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Raffiphotos from
Fantastic PerformanceWorks flawlessly with the M9, superb images, great design.

Date published: 2011-10-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anning from
A Great LensIt is beautifully made, like a work of art, feels solid and elegant. It shines particularly at 11, extremely sharp.